The Oconto Area Humane Society is asking for the public’s help in caring for nearly three dozen animals that were among more than 60 rescued in what the shelter director described as a “horrific” situation.

Oconto County authorities rescued 21 mother cats and their kittens, as well as one dog, from a residence in the county May 30, said Lexi Woodworth, shelter director. Another 42 were taken to the Wisconsin Humane Society shelter in Green Bay.

“The cats were living in carrying kennels, with no litter box and only newspaper lining the bottom,” Woodworth said. “They were all full of lice, extremely emaciated, dehydrated and had upper respiratory infections. The dog had a very large tumor growing from her side.”

The animals are doing well at the humane society, but the expenses for their care is mounting, and it will be several weeks before any of them are healthy enough to adopt out, she said. The organization is asking for donations.

Three days after taking in the cats from this situation, the humane society also took in 11 additional cats that were surrenders or strays, making the total intake of cats 32 in less than a week.

Donations can be made during open hours at the shelter, mail a check made out to OAHS to 150 S. Katch Drive, Oconto, WI 54153, or donate via PayPal on the society’s Facebook page or website. For information, call 920-835-1738.

The Oconto shelter is open 1-5 p.m. Monday and Friday, 1-6 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.